KW Community Spirit Lions planting a perennial Memory Garden for the young people at OneRoof Youth Shelter, Kitchener. OneRoof Youth Services is an emergency shelter/supportive housing entity committed to providing for the safety, support, and over all wellbeing of youth who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, aged 12 to 25, in Waterloo Region. The garden provides a quiet and safe place where they can sit and remember friends they had lost. Lions and Youth joined in a touching prayer of acknowledgement and blessing for the garden. A few of the youth came to watch the planting and one young lady asked if she could plant a couple herself in memory of a recently lost friend. Lions left two of the little pots for her to do so. OneRoof did not allow the presence of any press or other media, in order to honor the privacy of the youth present. The garden provides emotional support and a sense of closure for the young people being served at OneRoof; who are very appreciative of their garden.

The Brussels Leos first bottle drive of the 2024 season. The Brussels Leos have been organizing bottle drives for approximately 5 years. These events raise around $5,000-$6,000 annually. Some projects that funds have been used for are the creation of a downtown dog park and the installment of playground equipment at the conservation area in town. This year the Leo fundraiser focus is for a Leo the Lion drinking fountain. The bottle drives have been an excellent way for the Brussels youth to contribute to community betterment.

First Place

Tony Decotiis - A-2 - Welland Lions Club

Second Place

Christiane Zoidl - A-16 - Newmarket Lions Club